Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
(OP)

I'm confused with the factory test report of my 15 kVA, 60 Hz, 220 V, single phase diesel generator. This was tested using a purely resistive load bank where in the power factor is 1. The load bank used can provide maximum load of 15 kW. Since the generator has a rated 0.8 power factor, the 100% load is 12 kW.
Why is it that at 25% to 75% load, the power factor is less than 1?
Thanks!





RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
There may be some inductive load.
Rock steady frequency from no load to full load is uncommon on a set that small.
Rock steady voltage from no load to full load is uncommon on a set that small.
The KVAR varies;
1.47 KVAR at 25% load.
1.76 KVAR at 50% load.
1.24 KVAR at 75% load.
There may have been a 3 HP motor connected. That would make the numbers believable but still suspect.
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
Quite true; uncommon, but certainly not impossible, especially if the governor is a good- to excellent-quality isochronous one...but that being said, I'm leery of the test report, too; I'd rather see some time traces of frequency recovery with step load changes, as the frequency reported may only be that found once the system re-stabilizes.
CR
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]
RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
CR
"As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [Proverbs 27:17, NIV]
RE: Power factor of diesel generator for a purely resistive load bank
Most customers balk at the price when they see the adder for reactive load banks.
I have a 6k yuchai generator, lasts about 4 hours on a 20lb tank, but since propane is for
ever I plan on getting a large tank installed and feeding my dryer, generator and stove
from the one tank.
I'm happy with mine. how ever it's important to remember that power from propane will cost
you double the cost of power from diesel fuel as propane has a lot less "energy" when
compared to diesel.